Xochivolks 2019

Every year, thousands of Volkswagen Beetle owners and enthusiasts converge on Mexico City for Xochivolks, the largest vocho gathering in the country. Founded and organized by Arturo Díaz and his partner Vani, the event draws over 1,500 cars and tens of thousands of visitors for a full day of community, culture, and celebration rooted in one of Mexico's most beloved automotive traditions.

The event takes its name from Xochimilco, the southern borough of Mexico City where the club was founded, a neighborhood known for its ancient canal system, its markets, and its deep connection to Mexican cultural identity. Xochivolks has grown from a local club meetup into a national event, drawing vocheros from across the country who make the trip specifically for this gathering.

For the 2019 edition, Xochivolks was held at Estadio Azteca, one of the most iconic venues in Mexico City and the world. Photographer Rodrigo Gaya Villar joined Arturo and Vani at dawn on the day of the event, documenting the setup, the arrival of the cars, and the full sweep of the day. The 2019 edition is remembered as the last Xochivolks at the old Azteca stadium before the event moved to a new location in 2022.

This photographic report was produced as part of the Vochos Unidos project, a five-year documentary photography endeavor capturing vocho culture across Mexico. Xochivolks represents the communal heart of that culture: a moment each year when the scattered world of vocheros comes together in one place.

Vochos Unidos, the photobook, is available now in Standard and Limited Editions at CarraraBooks.com.